True Olympus TTL flash is now supported with Ikelite DS series strobes! This is an excellent solution for underwater flash with any Olympus Tough TG-3, TG-4, TG-5, or TG-6 camera.
With the RC1 TTL Receiver and a compatible camera with RC flash mode, actual exposure data calibrated and communicated directly from the camera. This is far more accurate and consistent than "slave TTL" modes built into some underwater strobes which watch the camera's built-in flash and react.
Read more: RC1 TTL Receiver for DS Strobes & Olympus TG-5 Camera Review
The basic set-up for connecting a strobe to a fiber optic system requires four components: Strobe, RC1 TTL Receiver, fiber optic cord, and strobe arm.
Fiber optic triggering requires a separate light path for each strobe you want to fire. Each strobe requires an individual RC1 TTL Receiver and cord.
See more: RC1 TTL Receiver Underwater Photos
Keep reading for an explanation of your strobe and arm choices.
DS51 Strobe
The DS51 strobe is the most popular choice for compact camera systems. It's very compact, lightweight, and accepts AA batteries. The brightness and angle of coverage are great for any compact system and perfect for macro photography.
DS160 and DS161 Strobes
Our flagship DS160 and DS161 strobes are classified as professional grade strobes. Professional grade strobes have larger, circular flashtubes and reflectors for a higher quality light with or without a diffuser. Professional grade strobes have dedicated rechargeable battery packs to provide more flashes per charge and high speed shooting capabilities.
The DS160 and DS161 strobes only differ in their built-in focus light. The DS160 has a concentrated 220 lumen spot beam focus light, while the DS161 has a 500 lumen diffused 45º beam which is suitable for both focusing and macro video.
Flex Arm for DS51
The Flex Arm is the lightest and most affordable option for connecting a strobe to your system. True to its name, the arm provides a good degree of flexibility and can be added to inexpensively. The Flex Arm supports the DS51 strobe only. A DS160 or DS161 strobe requires an aluminum ball joint arm.
Compact Ball Arm
Aluminum ball joint arms are the standard in professional underwater strobe photography. Tyey provide the maximum flexibility in articulation, expandability, and easy of strobe positioning. Unlike flexible arms, ball joint arms are quiet when you reposition them and are capable of a "lightweight hold" for fast repositioning underwater. Ball joint arms also provide lots of additional mounting point locations for the attachment of accessories including top handles, video lights, and lens holders.
Wide Angle Ball Arm
An extra long strobe arm is essential for reducing backscatter and providing even lighting when shooting wide angle photography. The arm may be used as is for macro photography, or the additional arm section can be removed to reduce the size of your rig when switching to a dedicated macro set-up.
Cable Top Handle Grip
This is our favorite way to carry a system around on the surface when shooting with dual strobes. The cable grip can be attached either to the two auxiliary clamps or to the slots in the 7" ball arm segments.
Fiber Optic Cords
The fiber optic ports found on our housings are consistent with those used by SEA&SEA housings and strobes, Olympus housings and strobes, and certain Nauticam housings. INON strobes use a different connection method which requires their proprietary connector. For the best signal transmission, we recommend a high quality multi-core fiber optic cord.
Ikelite fiber optic ports accept the following cables:
- Ikelite Fiber Optic Coiled Cord # 4501
- INON Optical D Cable "Non-wireless type" L-Connector
- SEA&SEA Fiber Optic Cable (L-type) # 50107
- SEA&SEA Fiber Optic Cable II # 50128
- Olympus UW Fiber Optic Cable PTCB-E02
- Nauticam Optical Fiber Cable # 26211 Nauticam to INON
- Nauticam Optical Fiber Cable # 26212 Nauticam to SEA&SEA
Why Ikelite?
Our strobes are designed from inside to out specifically for underwater photography. We are the only underwater strobe which is 100% made in the USA by experienced divers. Our staff is easily accessible for any advice and support you need.
